Methods and systems for conducting research operations

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for conducting research operation are disclosed. A method conducting a research operation comprises carrying a PUA on the person of a participant in the research operation, and carrying a research system on the person of the participant wherein the PUA and the research system are operative to exchange data therebetween.

CROSS-RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 60/751,825, filed Dec. 20, 2005, in the names of Alan R.Neuhauser, Vijoy K. Gopalakrishnan, Jack C. Crystal, Jack K. Zhang, andEugene L. Flanagan III.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Collecting data reflecting usage of media is an increasingly complextask as the variety of media sources and techniques for presenting mediato consumers, and the numbers and types of media presentation venues,increase over time.

A convergence of personal communications capabilities and multimediaoptions in a single portable device is occurring presently, such as in acellular telephone, a personal digital assistant, and the like.Increasingly, consumers are accessing and consuming media “on the go”and out-of-home using such portable devices, and as the quality of mediapresented by such devices is improved, it can be expected that suchmobile consumption of media will increase.

The above trends in media usage, in addition to conventional in-homeconsumption demonstrate a need for new techniques for monitoringexposure to media of various types presented to consumers in a greatervariety of ways than in the past.

Dedicated portable monitoring devices have been developed including thehardware and software required to monitor exposure to audio media. Ithas been proposed to monitor exposure of consumers to audio media byincorporating monitoring software for instance in a cellular telephone,making use of the cellular telephone's hardware, including itsmicrophone, CPU, memory capacity and communications capabilities.

However, this means that monitoring operations compete with otherapplications for working memory space, processing and permanent storagecapacity in the cellular telephone. This can result in slower executionof all applications and conflicts between programs. Monitoringoperations also place increased demands on battery power, and so canrequire recharging more frequently.

DISCLOSURE

For this application the following terms and definitions shall apply:

The term “data” as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks,symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any other physicalform or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary,whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagneticor otherwise manifested. The term “data” as used to representpredetermined information in one physical form shall be deemed toencompass any and all representations of corresponding information in adifferent physical form or forms.

The terms “media data” and “media” as used herein mean data which iswidely accessible, whether over-the-air, or via cable, satellite,network, internetwork (including the Internet), print, displayed,distributed on storage media, or by any other means or technique that ishumanly perceptible, without regard to the form or content of such data,and including but not limited to audio, video, text, images, animations,databases, files, broadcasts, displays (including but not limited tovideo displays, posters and billboards), signs, signals, web pages,print media and streaming media data.

The term “presentation data” shall mean media data or content other thanmedia data to be presented to a user.

The term “research data” as used herein means data comprising (1) dataconcerning usage of media, (2) data concerning exposure to media, and/or(3) market research data.

The terms “gather” and “gathering” as used herein include both directlygathering data with the use of a device as well as emitting data from adevice that causes or enables another device to gather data.

The term “research operation” as used herein means an operationcomprising gathering, storing and/or communicating research data.

The term “database” as used herein means an organized body of relateddata, regardless of the manner in which the data or the organized bodythereof is represented. For example, the organized body of related datamay be in the form of a table, a map, a grid, a packet, a datagram, afile, an e-mail, a message, a document, a list or in any other form.

The term “network” as used herein includes both networks andinternetworks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not limitedto any particular network or internetwork.

The terms “first,” “second,” “primary,” and “secondary” are used hereinto distinguish one element, set, data, object, step, process, function,action or thing from another, and are not used to designate relativeposition, arrangement in time or relative importance, unless otherwisestated explicitly.

The terms “coupled”, “coupled to”, and “coupled with” as used hereineach mean a relationship between or among two or more devices,apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes,programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, and/ormeans, constituting any one or more of (a) a connection, whether director through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, circuits,elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components,networks, systems, subsystems, or means, (b) a communicationsrelationship, whether direct or through one or more other devices,apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes,programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means,and/or (c) a functional relationship in which the operation of any oneor more devices, apparatus, files, circuits, elements, functions,operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems,subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on the operation ofany one or more others thereof.

The terms “communicate”, and “communicating” as used herein include bothconveying data from a source to a destination, and delivering data to acommunications medium, system, channel, device, wire, cable, fiber,circuit or link to be conveyed to a destination, and the term“communication” as used herein means data so conveyed or delivered. Theterm “communications” as used herein includes one or more of acommunications medium, system, channel, device, wire, cable, fiber,circuit and link.

The term “processor” as used herein means processing devices, apparatus,programs, circuits, components, systems and subsystems, whetherimplemented in hardware, software or both, and whether or notprogrammable. The term “processor” as used herein includes, but is notlimited to computers, hardwired circuits, signal modifying devices andsystems, devices and machines for controlling systems, centralprocessing units, programmable devices, field programmable gate arrays,application specific integrated circuits, systems on a chip, systemscomprised of discrete elements and circuits, state machines, virtualmachines and combinations of any of the foregoing.

The terms “storage” and “data storage” as used herein mean data storagedevices, apparatus, programs, circuits, components, systems, subsystemsand storage media serving to retain data, whether on a temporary orpermanent basis, and to provide such retained data.

The terms “panelist,” “panel member” and “participant” areinterchangeably used herein to refer to a person who is, knowingly orunknowingly, participating in a study to gather information, whether byelectronic, survey or other means, about that person's activity.

The term “household” as used herein is to be broadly construed toinclude family members, a family living at the same residence, a groupof persons related or unrelated to one another living at the sameresidence, and a group of persons living within a common facility (ofwhich the total number of unrelated persons does not exceed apredetermined number), such as a fraternity house, an apartment or othersimilar structure or arrangement.

The term “portable user appliance” (also referred to herein, forconvenience, by the abbreviation “PUA”) as used herein means anelectrical or non-electrical device capable of being carried by or onthe person of a user or capable of being disposed on or in, or held by,a physical object (e.g., attaché, purse) capable of being carried by oron the user, and having at least one function of primary benefit to suchuser, including without limitation, a cellular telephone, a personaldigital assistant (“PDA”), a Blackberry device, a radio, a television, agame system (e.g., a Gameboy® device), a notebook computer, a laptopcomputer, a GPS device, an iPod® device, a DVD player, a walkie talkie,a personal communications device, a telematics device, a remote controldevice, a wireless headset, a wristwatch, a portable data storage device(e.g., Thumb™ drive), a camera, a recorder, a keyless entry transmitterdevice, a ring, a comb, a pen, a pencil, a notebook, a wallet, a tool,an implement, a pair of glasses, an article of clothing, a belt, a beltbuckle, a fob, an article of jewelry, an ornamental article, a pair ofshoes or other foot garment (e.g., sandals), a jacket, and a hat, aswell as any devices combining any of the foregoing or their functions.

The term “activation message” as used herein shall mean data comprisingat least one of (1) an activation command for a PUA for activating acapability of the PUA to perform a research operation, (2) activationdata for a PUA for enabling and/or providing a capability of the PUA toperform a research operation, (3) visual display data for a PUAincluding a message soliciting participation of a user of the PUA in aresearch operation, (4) activation request data for a PUA requestingactivation, enablement or installation of a capability thereof toperform a research operation, (5) a message for a user of a PUArequesting an action thereof to activate, enable and/or install acapability of the PUA to perform a research operation, and/or providinginstructions for participating in a research operation automatically bymeans of a PUA, (6) a message for a user of a PUA providing or offeringto provide a benefit to the user in exchange for the user'sparticipation in a research operation, and (7) a message to a PUA and/ora user of a PUA requesting communication of a participation message inresponse.

The term “maintenance message” as used herein shall mean data comprisingat least one of (1) a test command for a PUA to control an operationthereof to test its operational status or ability to perform a researchoperation, (2) test data for a PUA to establish, enable or provide acapability thereof to test its operational status or ability to performa research operation, (3) a message requesting a response from a user ofa PUA identifying such user, and/or providing demographic or otheruser-specific data of the user, (4) a message requesting system data ofthe PUA, and (5) a command or request for a PUA to perform a researchoperation.

The term “termination message” as used herein shall mean data comprisingat least one of: (1) a deactivation message for a PUA to deactivate acapability thereof to perform a research operation; (2) a deactivationmessage for a user of a PUA instructing them to deactivate a capabilityof the PUA to perform a research operation; and (3) providing a benefitto a person as a final consideration for the person's previousparticipation in a research operation, or notifying the person that sucha benefit will be or has been provided.

The term “participation message” as used herein shall mean datacomprising at least one of (1) research data gathered automatically by aPUA, (2) a message from a PUA indicating an operational status orability thereof to perform a research operation, or providing results ofa test of such operational status or ability, (3) a message from a userof a PUA concerning participation of the user in a research operation bymeans of a PUA, or ancillary to such participation, such as concerning abenefit provided to the user for such participation or indicatingactivation or deactivation of an ability of a PUA to perform a researchoperation, (4) a message from a user of a PUA identifying such userand/or providing demographic and/or other user-specific data of theuser, (5) a message providing system data of the PUA, (6) a message froma benefit provider concerning a benefit provided or to be provided to auser of a PUA for participation in a research operation, such as amessage indicating receipt of a benefit request or a termination messagerequesting a benefit, and (7) a message from a PUA indicating receiptthereby of an activation message, a maintenance message or a terminationmessage.

Methods and systems are disclosed herein in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PUA modified to carry out researchoperations;

FIG. 1A is a functional block diagram for use in explaining certainembodiments involving the use of the PUA of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a system for setting up, promoting,operating, maintaining and/or terminating research operations with theuse of multiple PUA's, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a PUA in communication with a researchsystem;

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a PUA with a research data monitoraffixed thereto;

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating the PUA of FIG. 2A coupled withthe research data monitor thereof;

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of the research data monitor of FIGS. 2A and2B;

FIG. 2D is a layout diagram of an embodiment of the research datamonitor of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C;

FIG. 2E is a block diagram of a PUA communicating with the research datamonitor of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a personal digital assistant (PDA) modifiedto carry out research operations;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an external storage device modified tocarry out research operations;

FIG. 5 illustrates a pen in phantom lines, having a research datacollection system therein which serves to carry out research operations;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the research data collection system of FIG.5;

FIG. 7A illustrates a relational database between PUA users and a groupof persons receiving communication services pursuant to a singleagreement;

FIG. 7B illustrates a relational database between PUA users anddemographic data of the PUA users; and

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a signature extraction technique.

A method of conducting a research operation, comprises carrying a PUA onthe person of a participant in the research operation; and carrying aresearch system on the person of the participant, each of the PUA andthe research system comprising communications for communicating datatherebetween.

A research system for use in a research operation, comprises at leastone of a research data gathering system, a research data processingsystem and a research data storage system; and research systemcommunications coupled with the at least one of the research datagathering system, the research data processing system and the researchdata storage system, the research system communications being operativeto communicate data with a PUA.

A method of obtaining research data, comprises providing a researchsystem to a participant in a research operation, the research systembeing capable of being carried on the person of the participant and ofcommunicating research data to a PUA carried on the person of theparticipant; and receiving the research data at a research dataprocessing facility, the research data being communicated thereto fromthe PUA.

A process for communicating data between a portable research datagathering system and a research data processing facility, comprisescommunicating data between a research data gathering system carried onthe person of a participant in a research data gathering activity and aPUA carried on the person of the participant; and communicating theresearch data between the PUA and a research data processing facility.

A system for communicating data between a portable research datagathering system and a research data processing facility, comprises aresearch data gathering system adapted to be carried on the person of aparticipant in a research data gathering activity, the research datagathering system comprising communications operative to communicate datafrom the research data gathering system; and a PUA adapted to be carriedon the person of the participant, the PUA comprising communicationsoperative to communicate data with the research data gathering systemand with a research data processing facility.

A system for gathering research data while being carried on the personof a participant in a research data gathering activity, comprises a PUA;and a research data gathering device carried by the PUA.

A method of gathering research data, comprises providing a person with aPUA carrying a research data gathering device; and receiving researchdata gathered by means of the research data gathering device.

Numerous types of research operations are possible, including, withoutlimitation, television and radio program audience measurement; exposureto advertising in various media, such as television, radio, print andoutdoor advertising, among others; consumer spending habits; consumershopping habits including the particular retail stores and otherlocations visited during shopping and recreational activities; travelpatterns, such as the particular routes taken between home and work, andother locations; consumer attitudes, awareness and preferences; and soon. For the desired type of media and/or market research operation to beconducted, particular activity of individuals is monitored, or dataconcerning their attitudes, awareness and/or preferences is gathered. Incertain embodiments research data relating to two or more of theforegoing are gathered, while in others only one kind of such data isgathered.

Various monitoring techniques are suitable. For example, televisionviewing or radio listening habits, including exposure to commercialstherein, are monitored utilizing a variety of techniques. In certaintechniques, acoustic energy to which an individual is exposed ismonitored to produce data which identifies or characterizes a program,song, station, channel, commercial, etc. that is being watched orlistened to by the individual. Where audio media includes ancillarycodes that provide such information, suitable decoding techniques areemployed to detect the encoded information, such as those disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,450,490 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,763 to Jensen, et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,124 to Aijala, et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,574,962,5,581,800 and 5,787,334 to Fardeau, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,180 toNeuhauser, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,355 to Kolessar, et al., U.S.Pat. No. 6,845,360 to Jensen, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,735 to Preusset al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,191 to Lee, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,627to Petrovich et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,828,325 to Wolosewicz et al., U.S.Pat. No. 6,154,484 to Lee et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,932 to Smith etal., US 2001/0053190 to Srinivasan, US 2003/0110485 to Lu, et al., U.S.Pat. No. 5,737,025 to Dougherty, et al., US 2004/0170381 to Srinivasan,and WO 06/14362 to Srinivasan, et al., all of which hereby areincorporated by reference herein.

Examples of techniques for encoding ancillary codes in audio, and forreading such codes, are provided in Bender, et al., “Techniques for DataHiding”, IBM Systems Journal, Vol. 35, Nos. 3 & 4, 1996, which isincorporated herein in its entirety. Bender, et al. disclose a techniquefor encoding audio termed “phase encoding” in which segments of theaudio are transformed to the frequency domain, for example, by adiscrete Fourier transform (DFT), so that phase data is produced foreach segment. Then the phase data is modified to encode a code symbol,such as one bit. Processing of the phase encoded audio to read the codeis carried out by synchronizing with the data sequence, and detectingthe phase encoded data using the known values of the segment length, theDFT points and the data interval.

Bender, et al. also describe spread spectrum encoding and decoding, ofwhich multiple embodiments are disclosed in the above-cited Aijala, etal. U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,124.

Still another audio encoding and decoding technique described by Bender,et al. is echo data hiding in which data is embedded in a host audiosignal by introducing an echo. Symbol states are represented by thevalues of the echo delays, and they are read by any appropriateprocessing that serves to evaluate the lengths and/or presence of theencoded delays.

A further technique, or category of techniques, termed “amplitudemodulation” is described in R. Walker, “Audio Watermarking”, BBCResearch and Development, 2004. In this category fall techniques thatmodify the envelope of the audio signal, for example by notching orotherwise modifying brief portions of the signal, or by subjecting theenvelope to longer term modifications. Processing the audio to read thecode can be achieved by detecting the transitions representing a notchor other modifications, or by accumulation or integration over a timeperiod comparable to the duration of an encoded symbol, or by anothersuitable technique.

Another category of techniques identified by Walker involvestransforming the audio from the time domain to some transform domain,such as a frequency domain, and then encoding by adding data orotherwise modifying the transformed audio. The domain transformation canbe carried out by a Fourier, DCT, Hadamard, Wavelet or othertransformation, or by digital or analog filtering. Encoding can beachieved by adding a modulated carrier or other data (such as noise,noise-like data or other symbols in the transform domain) or bymodifying the transformed audio, such as by notching or altering one ormore frequency bands, bins or combinations of bins, or by combiningthese methods. Still other related techniques modify the frequencydistribution of the audio data in the transform domain to encode.Psychoacoustic masking can be employed to render the codes inaudible orto reduce their prominence. Processing to read ancillary codes in audiodata encoded by techniques within this category typically involvestransforming the encoded audio to the transform domain and detecting theadditions or other modifications representing the codes.

A still further category of techniques identified by Walker involvesmodifying audio data encoded for compression (whether lossy or lossless)or other purpose, such as audio data encoded in an MP3 format or otherMPEG audio format, AC-3, DTS, ATRAC, WMA, RealAudio, Ogg Vorbis, APTX100, FLAC, Shorten, Monkey's Audio, or other. Encoding involvesmodifications to the encoded audio data, such as modifications to codingcoefficients and/or to predefined decision thresholds. Processing theaudio to read the code is carried out by detecting such modificationsusing knowledge of predefined audio encoding parameters.

It will be appreciated that various known encoding techniques may beemployed, either alone or in combination with the above-describedtechniques. Such known encoding techniques include, but are not limitedto FSK, PSK (such as BPSK), amplitude modulation, frequency modulationand phase modulation.

In some cases a signature is extracted from transduced media data foridentification by matching with reference signatures of known mediadata. Suitable techniques for this purpose include those disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,612,729 to Ellis, et al. and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,398to Thomas, et al., each of which is assigned to the assignee of thepresent application and both of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

Still other suitable techniques are the subject of U.S. Pat. No.2,662,168 to Scherbatskoy, U.S. Pat. No. 3,919,479 to Moon, et al., U.S.Pat. No. 4,697,209 to Kiewit, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,677,466 to Lert,et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,933 to Wheatley, et al., U.S. Pat. No.4,955,070 to Welsh, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,730 to Schulze, U.S.Pat. No. 4,843,562 to Kenyon, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,551 to Kenyon,et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,990 to Lert, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,934to Lu, et al., European Published Patent Application EP 0887958 toBichsel and PCT publication WO91/11062 to Young, et al., all of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

An advantageous signature extraction technique transforms audio datawithin a predetermined frequency range to the frequency domain by atransform function, such as an FFT. The FFT data from an even number offrequency bands (for example, eight, ten, sixteen or thirty twofrequency bands) spanning the predetermined frequency range are used twobands at a time during successive time intervals. FIG. 8 provides anexample of how pairs of the bands are selected during successive timeintervals where the total number of bands used is equal to ten. Theselected bands are indicated by an “X”.

When each band is selected, the energy values of the FFT bins withinsuch band and such time interval are processed to form one bit of thesignature. If there are ten FFT's for each interval of the audio signal,for example, the values of all bins of such band within the first fiveFFT's are summed to form a value “A” and the values of all bins of suchband within the last five FFT's are summed to form a value “B”. In thecase of a received broadcast audio signal, the value A is formed fromportions of the audio signal that were broadcast prior to those used toform the value B.

To form a bit of the signature, the values A and B are compared. If B isgreater than A, the bit is assigned a value “1” and if A is greater thanor equal to B, the bit is assigned a value of “0”. Thus, during eachtime interval, two bits of the signature are produced.

One advantageous technique carries out either or both of code detectionand signature extraction remotely from the location where the researchdata is gathered, as disclosed in US Published Patent Application2003/0005430 published Jan. 2, 2003 to Ronald S. Kolessar, which isassigned to the assignee of the present application and is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

If location tracking or exposure to outdoor advertising is carried out,then various techniques for doing so are employed. Suitable techniquesfor location tracking or monitoring exposure to outdoor advertising aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,710 in the names of Jack K. Zhang, JackC. Crystal, and James M. Jensen, issued Oct. 25, 2005, and US PublishedPatent Application 2005/0035857 A1 published Feb. 17, 2005 in the namesof Jack K. Zhang, Jack C. Crystal, James M. Jensen and Eugene L.Flanagan III, filed Aug. 13, 2003, all of which are assigned to theassignee of the present application and hereby incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties.

Where usage of publications, such as periodicals, books, and magazines,is monitored, suitable techniques for doing so are employed, such asthose disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/084,481 in thenames of James M. Jensen, Jack C. Crystal, Alan R. Neuhauser, JackZhang, Daniel W. Pugh, Douglas J. Visnius, and Eugene L. Flanagan III,filed Mar. 18, 2005, which is assigned to the assignee of the presentapplication and hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In addition to those types of research data mentioned above and thevarious techniques identified for gathering such types of data, othertypes of research data may be gathered and other types of techniques maybe employed. For example, research data relating to consumer purchasingconduct, consumer product return conduct, exposure of consumers toproducts and presence and/or proximity to commercial establishments maybe gathered, and various techniques for doing so may be employed.Suitable techniques for gathering data concerning presence and/orproximity to commercial establishments are disclosed in US PublishedPatent Application 2005/0200476 A1 published Sep. 15, 2005 in the namesof David Patrick Forr, James M. Jensen, and Eugene L. Flanagan III,filed Mar. 15, 2004, and in US Published Patent Application 2005/0243784A1 published Nov. 3, 2005 in the names of Joan Fitzgerald, Jack Crystal,Alan Neuhauser, James M. Jensen, David Patrick Forr, and Eugene L.Flanagan III, filed Mar. 29, 2005. Suitable techniques for gatheringdata concerning exposure of consumers to products are disclosed in USPublished Patent Application 2005/0203798 A1 published Sep. 15, 2005 inthe names of James M. Jensen and Eugene L. Flanagan III, filed Mar. 15,2004.

Moreover, techniques involving the active participation of the panelmembers may be used in research operations. For example, surveys may beemployed where a panel member is asked questions utilizing the panelmember's PUA after recruitment. Thus, it is to be understood that boththe exemplary types of research data to be gathered discussed herein andthe exemplary manners of gathering research data as discussed herein areillustrative and that other types of research data may be gathered andthat other techniques for gathering research data may be employed.

Various PUA's already have capabilities sufficient to enable theimplementation of the desired monitoring technique or techniques to beemployed during the research operation. As an example, cellulartelephones have microphones which convert acoustic energy into audiodata. Various cellular telephones further have processing and storagecapability.

In certain embodiments, various existing PUA's are modified merely bysoftware and/or minor hardware changes to carry out a researchoperation. In certain other embodiments, PUA's are redesigned andsubstantially reconstructed for this purpose. In certain embodiments thePUA is coupled with a separate research data gathering system andprovides operations ancillary or complementary thereto.

In certain embodiments, the PUA itself is operative to gather researchdata. In certain embodiments, the PUA emits data that causes anotherdevice to gather research data. Such embodiments include variousembodiments disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,710 and in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/084,481, referenced above. In certainembodiments, the PUA is operative both to gather research data and toemit data that causes another device to gather research data.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PUA 20 (such as a cellular telephone orother data processing and communicating device) modified to carry out aresearch operation. The PUA 20 comprises a processor 30 that isoperative to exercise overall control and to process audio and otherdata for transmission or reception and communications 40 coupled to theprocessor 30 and operative under the control of processor 30 to performthose functions required for establishing and maintaining a two-waywireless communication link with a PUA network. In certain embodiments,processor 30 also is operative to execute applications ancillary orunrelated to the conduct of PUA communications, such as applicationsserving to download audio and/or video data to be reproduced by PUA 20,e-mail clients and applications enabling the user to play games usingthe PUA 20. In certain embodiments, processor 30 comprises two or moreprocessing devices, such as a first processing device (such as a digitalsignal processor) that processes audio, and a second processing devicethat exercises overall control over operation of the PUA 20. In certainembodiments, processor 30 employs a single processing device. In certainembodiments, some or all of the functions of processor 30 areimplemented by hardwired circuitry.

PUA 20 further comprises storage 50 coupled with processor 30 andoperative to store data as needed. In certain embodiments, storage 50comprises a single storage device, while in others it comprises multiplestorage devices. In certain embodiments, a single device implementscertain functions of both processor 30 and storage 50.

In addition, PUA 20 comprises a microphone 60 coupled with processor 30to transduce the user's voice to an electrical signal which it suppliesto processor 30 for encoding, and a speaker and/or earphone 70 coupledwith processor 30 to transduce received audio from processor 30 to anacoustic output to be heard by the user. PUA 20 also includes a userinput 80 coupled with processor 30, such as a keypad, to enter telephonenumbers and other control data, as well as a display 90 coupled withprocessor 30 to provide data visually to the user under the control ofprocessor 30.

In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 provides additional functions and/orcomprises additional elements. In certain ones of such embodiments, thePUA 20 provides e-mail, text messaging and/or web access through itswireless communications capabilities, providing access to media andother content. For example, Internet access by the PUA 20 enables accessto video and/or audio content that can be reproduced by the cellulartelephone for the user, such as songs, video on demand, video clips andstreaming media. In certain embodiments, storage 50 stores softwareproviding audio and/or video downloading and reproducing functionality,such as iPod® software, enabling the user to reproduce audio and/orvideo content downloaded from a source, such as a personal computer viacommunications 40 or through direct Internet access via communications40.

To enable PUA 20 to gather research data, namely, data indicatingexposure to audio such as programs, music and advertisements, in certainembodiments research software is installed in storage 50 to controlprocessor 30 to gather such data and communicate it via communications40 to a research organization. The research software in certainembodiments also controls processor 30 to store the data for subsequentcommunication.

In certain embodiments, the research software controls the processor 30to decode ancillary codes in the transduced audio from microphone 60using one or more of the known techniques identified hereinabove, andthen to store and/or communicate the decoded data for use as researchdata indicating encoded audio to which the user was exposed. In certainembodiments, the research software controls the processor 30 to extractsignatures from the transduced audio from microphone 60 using one ormore of the known techniques identified hereinabove, and then to storeand/or communicate the extracted signature data for use as research datato be matched with reference signatures representing known audio todetect the audio to which the user was exposed. In certain embodiments,the research software both decodes ancillary codes in the transducedaudio and extracts signatures therefrom for identifying the audio towhich the user was exposed. In certain embodiments, the researchsoftware controls the processor 30 to store samples of the transducedaudio, either in compressed or uncompressed form for subsequentprocessing either to decode ancillary codes therein or to extractsignatures therefrom. In certain ones of these embodiments, thecompressed or uncompressed audio is communicated to a remote processorfor decoding and/or signature extraction.

Where the PUA 20 possesses functionality to download and/or reproducepresentation data, in certain embodiments, research data concerning theusage and/or exposure to such presentation data as well as audio datareceived acoustically by microphone 60, is gathered by PUA 20 inaccordance with the technique illustrated by the functional blockdiagram of FIG. 1A. Storage 50 of FIG. 1 implements an audio buffer 54for audio data gathered with the use of microphone 60. In certain onesof these embodiments storage 50 implements a buffer 56 for presentationdata downloaded and/or reproduced by PUA 20 to which the user is exposedvia speaker and/or earphone 70 or display 90, or by means of a devicecoupled with PUA 20 to receive the data therefrom to present it to auser. In some of such embodiments, the reproduced data is obtained fromdownloaded data, such as songs, web pages or audio/video data (e.g.,movies, television programs, video clips). In some of such embodiments,the reproduced data is provided from a device such as a broadcast orsatellite radio receiver of the PUA 20 (not shown for purposes ofsimplicity and clarity). In certain ones of these embodiments storage 50implements a buffer 56 for metadata of presentation data reproduced byPUA 20 to which the user is exposed via speaker and/or earphone 70 ordisplay 90, or by means of a device coupled with PUA 20 to receive thedata therefrom to present it to a user. Such metadata can be, forexample, a URL from which the presentation data was obtained, channeltuning data, program identification data, an identification of aprerecorded file from which the data was reproduced, or any data thatidentifies and/or characterizes the presentation data, or a sourcethereof. Where buffer 56 stores audio data, buffers 54 and 56 storetheir audio data (either in the time domain or the frequency domain)independently of one another. Where buffer 56 stores metadata of audiodata, buffer 54 stores its audio data (either in the time domain or thefrequency domain) and buffer 56 stores its metadata, each independentlyof the other.

Processor 30 separately produces research data 58 from the contents ofeach of buffers 54 and 56 which it stores in storage 50. In certain onesof these embodiments, one or both of buffers 54 and 56 is/areimplemented as circular buffers storing a predetermined amount of audiodata representing a most recent time interval thereof as received bymicrophone 60 and/or reproduced by speaker and/or earphone 70, ordownloaded by PUA 20 for reproduction by a different device coupled withPUA 20. Processor 30 extracts signatures and/or decodes ancillary codesin the buffered audio data to produce research data. Where metadata isreceived in buffer 56, in certain embodiments the metadata is used, inwhole or in part, as research data 58, or processed to produce researchdata 58. The research data is thus gathered representing exposure toand/or usage of audio data by the user where audio data is received inacoustic form by the PUA 20 and where presentation data is received innon-acoustic form (for example, as a cellular telephone communication,as an electrical signal via a cable from a personal computer or otherdevice, as a broadcast or satellite signal or otherwise).

In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 is provided with a research datasource 96 coupled by a wired or wireless coupling with processor 30 foruse in gathering further or alternative research data to be communicatedto a research organization. In certain ones of these embodiments, theresearch data source 96 comprises a location data producing device orfunction providing data indicating a location of the PUA 20. Variousdevices appropriate for use as source 96 include a satellite locationsignal receiver, a terrestrial location signal receiver, a wirelessnetworking device that receives location data from a network, aninertial location monitoring device and a location data producingservice provided by a PUA service provider. In certain embodiments,research data source 96 comprises a device or function for monitoringexposure to print media, for determining whether the user is at home orout of home, for monitoring exposure to products, exposure to displays(such as outdoor advertising), presence within or near commercialestablishments, or for gathering research data (such as consumerattitude, preference or opinion data) through the administration of asurvey to the user of the PUA 20. In certain embodiments, research datasource 96 comprises one or more devices for receiving, sensing ordetecting data useful in implementing one or more of the foregoingfunctions, other research data gathering functions and/or for producingdata ancillary to functions of gathering, storing and/or communicatingresearch data, such as data indicating whether the panelist has compliedwith predetermined rules governing the activity or an extent of suchcompliance. Such devices include, but are not limited to, motiondetectors, accelerometers, temperature detectors, proximity detectors,satellite positioning signal receivers, RFID readers, RF receivers,wireless networking transceivers, wireless device coupling transceivers,pressure detectors, deformation detectors, electric field sensors,magnetic field sensors, optical sensors, electrodes, and the like.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a system 100 for setting up, promoting,operating, maintaining and/or terminating research operations with theuse of multiple cellular telephones or other PUA's having communicationscapabilities, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1. For these purposes,the system 100 operates under the control of a processor 110 tocommunicate messages to the PUA 20, and receive communicationstherefrom, by means of communications 120 coupled with processor 110 andwith PUA 20. In certain embodiments, some messages are sent and receivedfor conducting tests. In certain embodiments, communications 120 iscoupled with PUA 20 via a cellular telephone network. In certainembodiments, communications 120 is coupled with PUA 20 via the Internetor other network via a host or device (e.g., a telephone terminal orconnection) able to communicate via such a network coupled with PUA 20,such as a personal computer, or via a wireless link or cable couplingthe PUA 20 with such a network so that the PUA 20 functions as a host ordevice communicating on the network.

Instructions for operating processor 110 as well as research datareceived by the system 100 are stored in storage 130 coupled withprocessor 110. An input device or devices 140 coupled with processor 110enable a user of the system 100 to enter commands and/or data such assystem commands (for example, a system startup command or a command toenter a system maintenance mode), research data and/or software updatesor other modifications. In certain embodiments, some commands are sentfor conducting tests. System 100 in certain embodiments is maintained bya research organization. In certain embodiments, system 100 ismaintained by another entity acting for or on behalf such a researchorganization. The operation of system 100 in cooperation with PUA 20 toset up, promote, operate, maintain and/or terminate research operations,is further described hereinbelow.

In order to identify PUA users for random sampling to establish a panelof such users for gathering research data, in certain embodiments one ormore lists of subscribers are obtained from PUA service providers andthe users are contacted at random to recruit them to participate on thepanel. In certain instances, publicly available records may besufficient to identify the users. Public records include telephonenumber and address directories, e-mail directories, and variousgovernmental filings, among other records. Other public and non-publicinformation, such as warranty records (e.g., from completed warrantycards), and retail store records containing purchaser information, maybe utilized. In certain other embodiments, the identities of the ownersand/or users of the PUA's to be employed are not ascertainable and thusare obtained from the users themselves. In certain embodiments,combinations of the foregoing user identification methods are used.

In certain embodiments, PUA users are recruited through a communicationusing a means other than their PUA's, such as by mail, e-mail, a call toa landline telephone number or by personal contact, while in certainembodiments, a widely disseminated solicitation is used, such as anadvertisement or notice in one or more types of media. In certainembodiments, PUA users are contacted by system 100 of FIG. 2 or by othermeans via their PUA's, such as PUA 20, by supplying an appropriatecommunication which causes the PUA to provide a predetermined audibleand/or visual message to the user providing a request for participationas a panel member. With reference again to FIG. 1, in certain ones ofsuch embodiments, the communication comprises a live, synthesized orrecorded voice call to the PUA 20 either from system 100 or by othermeans, while in certain ones of such embodiments, the communicationcomprises a visual message from system 100 to PUA 20 and providedthereby to the user via display 90. Such a visual message may be ane-mail, a text message, a web page or the like. In certain ones of suchembodiments, the PUA 20 is provided to the user with software operativeto control the PUA to communicate the message in audible and/or visualform to the user, with or without receipt of an activation message inthe PUA to initiate the communication of the audible and/or visualmessage to the user. In certain ones of such embodiments, the visualdisplay message is operative to control the PUA 20 to display aninteractive control enabling the user to communicate an acceptance ofthe request to participate in the panel to the system 100. Such controlmay be a form, an e-mail address, a telephone number or the like and incertain embodiments, requests demographic information of the user and/orprovides instructions for participating in a research operation by meansof the user's cellular telephone.

In certain embodiments, multiple messages are communicated to users torecruit them. In certain ones of such embodiments, a first recruitmentmessage is communicated containing data to indicate to the user thatparticipants are being recruited and requesting the user to considerparticipating. Subsequently, a second recruitment message iscommunicated to the user containing data directly requesting the user'sparticipation. In some implementations the first message is communicatedby system 100 as an automatically generated message, while in others itis a widely disseminated message. In some implementations the firstmessage contains data indicating that a benefit will be provided to theuser for such participation or agreement to participate, as an incentivefor the user to agree to participate. This gives the user an opportunityto consider the desirability of receiving the benefit before receivingthe second message soliciting his/her participation, and thus serves asa pre-recruitment tool.

In order to encourage participation in such research operation, incertain embodiments the recruitment message provides or offers toprovide a benefit to the user in exchange for the user's participationor agreement or willingness to participate in a research operation. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the benefit is provided in response toa message from the user, via the PUA 20, indicating a willingness oragreement to participate in the research operation, and in certain casesa message is communicated by system 100 to PUA 20 indicating that thebenefit is being provided, such as a cash benefit, a credit or aservice, and a corresponding instruction for provision of the service iscommunicated by system 100 to an appropriate benefit provider. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the offered benefit comprises aservice provided by means of the PUA, such as voice, text message and/ore-mail communication services, other Internet services and/or access tocertain applications (e.g., games or personal information managementsoftware), content or media data (such as ring tones, images,audio/video data, or songs). In certain ones of such embodiments, theoffered benefit comprises cash or a credit, or a service provided apartfrom the use of the PUA. In certain ones of such embodiments, an offeris made to provide a PUA comprising a research data gathering systemand/or a service provided by means of a PUA for a person's useconditioned on the person's participation in the research operation.Activation of the PUA to provide services to the user can be conditionedon such participation. In certain ones of such embodiments, therecruitment message is communicated to the PUA with an offer to providea service with the use of the PUA or to activate such a service, such asvoice or other data communication services or access to content such asaudio or video content. The provision of the service is initiated or theservice is activated in certain ones of such embodiments bycommunicating a benefit provision message to at least one of thecellular telephone and a service provider.

In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 as provided to the user storessoftware enabling it to gather, store and/or communicate research data,such as codes and/or signatures indicating exposure to audio media. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the software is inoperative to carryout at least one of such gathering, storing or communicating functionsuntil activated, by an action of the user (such as a command to the PUAentered by the user input 80 of the microphone 60, or data entered bythe user indicating agreement to participate in the research operation)and/or by means of a communication received by the PUA from system 100.In certain ones of such embodiments, the software is enabled when thePUA is provided to the user.

In certain embodiments, the PUA 20 as provided to the user, whilecapable of gathering, storing and/or communicating research data whenappropriate software runs on its processor 30, lacks some or all of suchappropriate software. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA 20 isenabled to gather, store and/or communicate research data by downloadingthe required software from system 100. In certain ones of suchembodiments, in response to a message expressing agreement toparticipate in a research data gathering, storage and/or communicationactivity or a different message from which such agreement can beinferred (such as a download request), the PUA 20 downloads the requiredsoftware from system 100, as well as media data or other content (suchas ring tones, images, audio/video data, or songs), games and/or otheruser software, provided as an incentive for such participation. Thecontent and/or software can be sent from system 100 or from a differentsource. In certain ones of such embodiments, the user installs thesoftware in the PUA 20 from external storage, such as a personalcomputer or external storage device, using a wireless communicationslink, a cable or an interface.

Various ways of responding to the recruitment message are provided in avariety of embodiments. In certain embodiments, the user responds to arecruitment message by communicating a message to system 100 or otherdestination in response via the PUA 20, either in the form of a voicecall, a form containing the message, an e-mail, text message or thelike, indicating a willingness or agreement to participate in theproposed research operation using the PUA. In certain embodiments, theresponsive message is communicated by a different means, such as by avoice call using a different telephone, by mail, e-mail, a form providedby a web page, an in-person communication or the like. However theresponsive message is communicated, in certain embodiments it includesdemographic data and/or data that conveys other personal or householdattributes to be stored in system 100. In certain embodiments, such datais communicated by a different message. In certain embodiments, amessage is communicated from the PUA 20 in response to the recruitmentmessage from which the user's willingness to participate can beinferred, such as a message to system 100 that conveys research datagathered by the PUA 20 where it is necessary for the user to activateits capability to gather, store and/or communicate research data or amessage to system 100 requesting a download of software or other datarequired to provide, activate or enable the cellular telephone'scapabilities to gather, store and/or communicate research data.

Where the user responds to a widely disseminated solicitation, such asan advertisement, a notice, a documentary solicitation provided with thePUA or the like, the responsive message can be communicated as describedhereinabove. In certain embodiments, a response to a widely disseminatedsolicitation takes a different form or includes different content, suchas a request communicated to system 100 for download of software orother data required to initiate, install or activate the operation ofthe PUA to automatically gather, store and/or communicate research data,and/or a communication of research data from the PUA to system 100 fromwhich the user's willingness to participate can be inferred.

In certain embodiments, the PUA activates, installs and/or enablesfunctionality to gather, store and/or communicate research data inresponse to or conditioned upon, the user's affirmative response to therecruitment message. In certain ones of such embodiments, an action ofthe user to produce, enter or communicate such an affirmative responseusing the PUA 20 activates such functionality implemented by softwarerunning on processor 30. In certain ones of such embodiments, suchaction of the user causes PUA 20 to request a download of softwareand/or data for installing, activating or enabling such functionality.In certain ones of such embodiments, such action of the user causes PUA20 to install software provided with the recruitment message toimplement such functionality, or else to make use of other data in oraccompanying the recruitment message to implement such functionality.

Where the user responds to a widely disseminated solicitation, such asan advertisement, a notice, a documentary solicitation provided with thePUA or the like, the responsive message can be communicated as describedhereinabove. In certain embodiments, a response to a widely disseminatedsolicitation takes a different form or includes different content, suchas a request communicated to system 100 for download of software orother data required to initiate, install or activate the operation ofthe PUA to automatically gather, store and/or communicate research data,and/or a communication of research data from the PUA to system 100 fromwhich the user's willingness to participate can be inferred.

Data indicating the recruitment of the user and indicating an identityof the PUA to be used in the research operation to gather, store and/orcommunicate research data by means of the PUA is stored in storage 130of system 100 based on the responsive message. Research data gathered bymeans of such PUA is stored in association with data identifying thePUA.

It is desired to successfully recruit a substantial proportion of theusers contacted. Where no response to a recruitment message is receivedor a response is received but indicates an unwillingness to participate,in certain embodiments negative data indicating a failure to recruit theuser to participate in the research operation is stored in system 100and subsequently a further recruitment message is communicated to theuser to solicit participation in the research operation. The reason forfailing to successfully recruit the user can be time-dependent. Forexample, the user might not have the PUA turned on during a time of daywhen the recruitment message is communicated, or the user might not bereceptive to such a message at the time of day that the message is firstsent. In certain ones of such embodiments, system 100 stores the timewhen the unsuccessful message was communicated and the furtherrecruitment message is communicated under the control of system 100 at atime differing from the time at which the previous message wascommunicated. In certain ones of such embodiments, a content of anegative response from the user is employed as a basis for communicatingthe further recruitment message.

In certain embodiments, the recruitment message includes surveyquestions requesting the user to provide demographic or other dataconcerning the user or the user's household. Where fewer than all of thesurvey questions are answered, in certain embodiments, a further messageis communicated to the user including a survey having fewer questionsthan the previous, uncompleted survey. In certain ones of suchembodiments, the number of survey questions of the first message thatwere answered is used by system 100 to determine the number of questionsincluded in the subsequent message. For example, if the user onlyanswered three of eight questions contained in the first message, thesubsequent message might include three or fewer questions to improve thelikelihood that all will be answered by the user in a responsivemessage.

In certain embodiments, a response to the recruitment message iscommunicated by the PUA with or without any action by the user. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the response comprises a message fromthe PUA indicating an operational status or ability thereof to gather,store and/or communicate research data and/or a message from the PUAindicating receipt of the recruitment message.

Where it is necessary to activate a capability of the PUA toautomatically carry out a research operation, in response to the messagefrom the user indicating a willingness to participate, in certainembodiments an activation message is communicated by system 100 to thePUA with a command or request to effect such activation. In certainembodiments, the activation message includes activation data to activatesuch capability, with or without an accompanying activation command. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the activation data comprises atelephone number, a network address (such as an IP address, domain name,MAC address, or the like), a communication protocol or other data usefulfor communicating the research data gathered by means of the PUA. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the activation data comprises softwarefor running on the processor 30 of the PUA 20 to control, carry outand/or enable a research operation thereby. In certain embodiments, theactivation message is communicated to the user, via PUA 20 or otherwise,by system 100 or by other means, and requests an action thereof toactivate, enable and/or install a capability of the PUA to carry out aresearch operation and/or provides instructions for participating in aresearch operation automatically by means of the PUA 20.

In response to the message from the user indicating a willingness toparticipate, in certain embodiments a message is communicated by system100 or by other means (for example, a live, synthesized or stored voicecall, or in documentary form) to the user via the PUA or by other meansproviding instructions for participating in the research operation togather, store and/or communicate research data automatically by means ofthe PUA. Where the user is offered an incentive to participate, such ascash, credit or a service, in certain embodiments, a message iscommunicated by system 100 in response to the message from the user to aprovider of such incentive, such as a service provider, retailer orfinancial institution to instruct that the incentive be provided. Incertain embodiments where the benefit comprises a service provided bymeans of the PUA, in response to the message from the user indicating awillingness to participate, system 100 communicates a message to theuser and/or to the PUA enabling the PUA to provide the service orenabling the user to make use of the PUA to obtain the service. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the service comprises a provision ofmedia data or of content that is not widely available and a message iscommunicated by the system 100 or by a different source for such contentin response to a message from system 100, to the PUA and/or the usercomprising such media data or content and/or data enabling the user toaccess the media data or content by means of the PUA or otherwise.

In certain embodiments, an activation message is communicated to the PUA20 by system 100 without regard to prior receipt of a participationmessage from the PUA or its user. In certain ones of such embodiments,the activation message comprises a request to the PUA 20 for dataindicating an operational status thereof to gather, store and/orcommunicate research data and/or system data for the PUA, such as anidentification thereof and/or data concerning its operating system thatenables selection of appropriate software to run on the processor 30thereof, and in response the PUA communicates the requested data to thesystem 100. A response to this message in certain ones of theseembodiments can be used to build a database of potential panelists fromwhom such panelists may be recruited at random. It can also be employedas a means of determining one or more appropriate times to contact theuser with a recruitment message. In certain ones of such embodiments,the activation message communicated by system 100 comprises a request tothe PUA 20 or its user for research data gathered automatically by thePUA. This is useful where, for example, the user has previously entereddata in the PUA indicating a willingness to participate in such aresearch operation, but where such data has not been communicated fromthe PUA. In certain ones of such embodiments, the activation messagefrom system 100 comprises a request to the PUA for a response comprisinga receipt for the activation message. A request of this kind can be usedto determine that the PUA is operational. This is useful, for example,to build a database of potential panelists to be contacted subsequentlyor where no further data concerning the PUA or its user is required. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the activation message comprises amessage communicated from system 100 to PUA 20 comprising activationrequest data for the PUA 20 requesting activation of a capabilitythereof to gather, store and/or communicate research data to system 100or elsewhere, or else requesting an action of the user to activate suchcapability. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA 20 responds(with or without any prior action by the user to effect such activation)by communicating one or more messages to system 100 comprising researchdata gathered automatically by the PUA 20, indicating an operationalstatus or ability thereof to gather, store and/or communicate researchdata, indicating receipt by PUA 20 of the activation message and/or datafrom the user indicating a willingness or agreement to participate inthe research operation.

With or without any prior communications between the system 100 and thePUA 20, the activation message in certain embodiments comprisesinstructions for participating in a research operation by means of thePUA 20. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA responds (with orwithout a prior action by the user that enables such response) bycommunicating a message to system 100 comprising at least one ofresearch data gathered automatically by the PUA 20, a message from thePUA 20 indicating an operational status or ability thereof to gather,store and/or communicate research data, a message from the user of thePUA 20 concerning participation of the user in a research operation bymeans of the PUA, a message from the user of the PUA identifying suchuser and/or the PUA, and a message from the PUA indicating receiptthereby of the message from system 100. In some cases the message fromPUA 20 to system 100 comprises data indicating a willingness oragreement of the user to participate in the research operation, whichcan be in the form of visual display data.

At the time of initiating the user's participation as a member of apanel, and/or from time to time, in certain embodiments a maintenancemessage is communicated by system 100 to the PUA 20 and/or a researchdata gathering system coupled therewith (as described herein below) forone or more purposes. In certain ones of such embodiments, a message iscommunicated by system 100 to the PUA 20 and/or the research datagathering system for testing its ability to gather, store and/orcommunicate research data as presently configured or as it may beconfigured using software and/or hardware to interact with the PUA's orthe research data gathering system's pre-existing software and/orhardware. In certain embodiments, the message is communicated by a thirdparty, such as a cellular telephone service provider. Such messagecomprises a test command to control a test operation of the PUA and/orthe research data gathering system, test data for use in conducting sucha test operation, such as by processing the test data in the processor30, and/or test software to run on processor 30 or a processor of theresearch data gathering system to control it to carry out a testoperation, and which in some cases is stored in storage 50 forsubsequent use. That is, the test data thus provided to the PUA and/orthe research data gathering system serves to establish, enable orprovide a capability thereof to test its ability to carry out a researchoperation. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, test software and/ortest data is stored in the PUA 20 and/or the research data gatheringsystem when it is acquired by the user, or stored therein at asubsequent time, such as a part of software downloaded to or otherwisestored in PUA 20, with or without an action of the user. In certain onesof such embodiments, the PUA 20 communicates a message to system 100 inresponse indicating receipt of the maintenance message. Data providingresults of the test operation is communicated from the PUA 20 to system100, in certain ones of such embodiments, directly from PUA 20 and/orfrom a third party service provider.

In certain embodiments, such a test is conducted in response to apredetermined event, such as the occurrence of an operational conditionof the PUA and/or the research data gathering system indicating adesirability of testing its operational capabilities, or the occurrenceof a predetermined time. In certain embodiments, such a test isconducted in response to receipt of a recruitment message, communicationof a response to the recruitment message or a message requesting that atest be carried out, or at the time of installation, activation orenablement of functionality in PUA 20 to gather, store and/orcommunicate research data. In certain embodiments, such a test iscarried out when the production of data indicates faulty operation orinoperative state. In certain embodiments, the test results arecommunicated to a processing facility.

In certain embodiments, the operation of a clock of the PUA 20 (notshown for purposes of simplicity and clarity) is tested to determine anoffset in its clock rate from a standard. In certain ones of suchembodiments, where the PUA implements a research data gatheringoperation with the use of a function for converting time-domain data(such as time-domain audio data) to frequency-domain data, themaintenance message from system 100 comprises time-domain test datahaving a predetermined frequency content, such as audio data having asingle frequency component. The output of the function is dataindicating a single frequency and any deviation of that single frequencyfrom the predetermined frequency of the audio data will reveal anyoffset of the PUA's clock from the standard. The test results can beused either by system 100 or by PUA 20 to compensate for any such offsetor else to disqualify the PUA for use in the research operation.

In certain embodiments, a maintenance message is communicated to the PUA20 by system 100 requesting a response therefrom identifying the user.This is useful to confirm that the PUA is being used by thepanelist/user or by another, such as another member of the panelist'shousehold. In certain ones of such embodiments, the requested responsecomprises a voice message including identifying data, such as a screenname or other alias of the user that is known to system 100. In certainones of such embodiments, the requested response is a voice signaturegathered by software running on processor 30 or extracted from aresponsive voice message from PUA 20 by processor 110 of system 100. Incertain embodiments, the requested response comprises a text message, ane-mail or a response conveyed by means of a form.

In certain ones of such embodiments, the response is requested from theuser by means of an audible or visual user identification requestmessage and requires an action of the user before it is communicated. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the requested response is communicatedby the PUA 20 automatically in response to a user identification requestmessage and without the need for the user's participation. In some ofsuch embodiments, the processor 30 runs software that automaticallyextracts a voiceprint for a current user of the PUA which is sent as theresponsive message. In some of such embodiments, the user is asked orrequired to enter user identification data in the PUA 20 when turning onthe cellular telephone, and/or from time to time, and the useridentification data is stored by storage 50 pending receipt of a useridentification request message. The PUA 20 responds to the useridentification request message from system 100 by communicating the useridentification data to system 100. In certain embodiments, PUA 20 storescurrent user identification data and communicates it to system 100without the need for any message from system 100 requesting suchidentification data. Such communications are made in response to theoccurrence of a condition, such as storage of current useridentification data in storage 50, passage of time, occurrence of apredetermined time, application of power to the PUA, detection ofmovement of the PUA or use of the PUA.

In certain embodiments, data identifying the PUA 20 and the user iscommunicated from the PUA 20 or otherwise by the user and is stored bysystem 100 in storage 130 prior to communicating the maintenance messageto enable a determination that the user of the PUA is the panelist. Whenthe response to the maintenance message is communicated by the PUA 20and received by system 100, it is compared with the previously storeddata to determine the user's identity.

In certain embodiments, a maintenance message is communicated by system100 to the PUA 20 requesting demographic or other user-specific data orhousehold data. This is useful to update such information from time totime, or to follow up an initial request for such information that didnot prompt a complete response. In certain ones of such embodiments,then, a prior message is communicated from the PUA or otherwise from theuser to system 100 to convey demographic or other user-specific data orhousehold data to be stored in storage 130.

In certain embodiments, the maintenance message communicated by system100 comprises a request for system data concerning the PUA 20. Such datais useful, for example, to determine whether research data softwarerunning in the PUA needs to be updated and, if so, which updates toprovide. It is useful also to determine whether the functions and/orcapabilities of the PUA 20 have changed, such as by installation ofsoftware from a third party, or whether the PUA 20 has been replaced bythe user. In certain ones of such embodiments, the system data isrequested from the user, while in others the system data is requesteddirectly from the PUA 20 by system 100 without the need to involve theuser.

In certain embodiments, the maintenance message comprises a command orrequest communicated by system 100 for the PUA to carry out a researchoperation. This is useful where, for example, it is desired to modifythe type, quality or extent of the research data gathered or stored bymeans of the PUA, or else to reactivate a data gathering, storage and/orcommunication function of the PUA that had previously been disabled orotherwise been made unavailable (for example, where a modification ofits software disabled such function or the PUA had been replaced with anew PUA). It is also useful for managing communications of research datafrom the PUA, so that they occur at times or under conditions determinedby system 100, or else to provide an address for communicating suchdata. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA responds to themaintenance message by communicating research data to system 100 and/orby communicating an acknowledgement to system 100 that it has receivedthe maintenance message and/or carried out a requested operation. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the system 100 stores data identifyingthe PUA 20 and its user/panelist before communicating the maintenancemessage. In certain ones of such embodiments, the PUA responds to themaintenance message by communicating a message to system 100 indicatingan ability and/or availability thereof to carry out a researchoperation.

When a user's participation in the panel is terminated, in certainembodiments a termination message is communicated by system 100 to theuser's PUA for one or more purposes. In certain embodiments, the PUA 20responds by communicating a message to system 100 indicating that it hasreceived the termination message. In certain ones of such embodiments,the termination message comprises a deactivation message to the PUA 20to deactivate a research operation or an ability to carry it out, eitherautomatically without any action of the user, or else instructing theuser to deactivate such function. Of these embodiments, in certain onesthe termination message also comprises data for producing a message tothe user, conveyed either visually or audibly, notifying the user thansuch research operation has been deactivated. Of these embodiments, ifthe research operation is deactivated, in certain ones the PUA 20subsequently communicates a responsive message to the system 100 toindicate that the research operation has been deactivated. Of theseembodiments, in certain cases, the deactivation message deactivates onedata gathering, storage and/or communication function, but permitsanother to continue in operation while providing a control to the userenabling the user to deactivate the function that continues inoperation, and in certain ones of these embodiments, the provision ofthe control is conditioned on deactivation of the one function by theuser and/or receipt of the deactivation message in the PUA. Where thetermination message comprises a deactivation message directed to theuser, and the user is promised a credit or other benefit as anincentive, in certain cases the provision of the credit or other benefitis conditioned on deactivation of the one function by the user.

In response to such a deactivation message, in certain embodiments thePUA 20 communicates a message to system 100 reporting that the functionhas been deactivated and/or a message acknowledging receipt of thedeactivation message. In response to such a deactivation message, incertain embodiments, the user inputs a deactivation command in the PUA20 instructing it to deactivate a capability thereof to gather, storeand/or communicate research data.

In certain embodiments where the user is promised a credit or otherbenefit for participation as an incentive, the termination messagecomprises a message communicated by system 100 to a third party creditfacility or other benefit provider instructing that a final benefit beprovided to the user. In certain ones of these embodiments, acorresponding notice is communicated by system 100 to the user, via thePUA 20 or otherwise.

FIG. 2 illustrates PUA 20 coupled by its communications 40 withcommunications 210 of a research system 200 comprising a microphone 220,a processor 230 coupled with microphone 220 and with communications 210by a wired or wireless link. Research system 200 in certain embodimentscomprises storage 240 coupled with processor 230. In certainembodiments, communications 40 is operative to communicate data to aresearch data processing facility. In certain embodiments,communications 40 is further operative to communicate data with theresearch system 200. Such communications between the PUA 20 and researchsystem 200 may be triggered by, for example, either (1) the elapse of apredetermined interval of time, (2) production of a communicationsrequest or query by either the PUA 20 or the research system 200, (3)the storage of a predetermined amount of data by either PUA 20 and/orresearch system 200, (4) proximity of PUA 20 and the research system200, or (5) any combination of (1)-(4). In certain embodiments,communications 40 of PUA 20 comprises a transceiver configured tocommunicate using a Bluetooth protocol, ZigBee protocol, wireless LANprotocol, or via an infrared data link, inductive link or the like, forenabling communications with the research system 200 as well as with anetwork, network host or other device to communicate data to a researchdata processing facility. In certain embodiments, communications 40 ofPUA 20 comprises a first transceiver configured to communicate withresearch system 20 and a second transceiver (such as a cellulartelephone transceiver) configured to communicate with the research dataprocessing facility.

In certain embodiments research system 200 is housed separately from PUA20 and is physically separated therefrom, but both are carried on theperson of a panelist. In certain embodiments, research system 200 ishoused separately from PUA 20 but is either (1) affixed to an exteriorsurface thereof, (2) carried by or in a common container or carriagedevice with PUA 20, (3) carried by or in a cover of PUA 20 (such as adecorative “skin”), or (4) arranged to contain PUA 20. In certainembodiments, PUA 20 and research system 200 are contained by a commonhousing.

In certain ones of such embodiments, processor 230 of research system200 serves to read ancillary codes and/or extract signatures from audiodata transduced by the microphone 220. Certain ones of these embodimentscommunicate the ancillary codes that have been read and/or thesignatures that have been extracted to the PUA 20 by communications 210for storage and/or communication from the PUA.

In certain ones of these embodiments, storage 240 serves to store theancillary codes and/or signatures for subsequent communication to thePUA 20.

In certain ones of such embodiments, research system 200 serves to storeaudio data transduced by the microphone 220 in storage 240, andsubsequently communicates the audio data to PUA 20 via communications210. PUA 20 processes the audio data as described hereinabove to produceresearch data therefrom.

In certain ones of such embodiments, research system 200 receives audiodata from PUA 20 via communications 210 and processor 230 serves toproduce research data from the audio data which either is stored instorage 240 and subsequently communicated to PUA 20 by communications210 or communicated thereby without prior storage in research system200.

In certain ones of such embodiments, processor 230 of research system200 receives presentation data and/or metadata of the presentation datafrom PUA 20 via communications 210 and processes the presentation dataand/or metadata to produce research data therefrom. Such presentationdata and metadata is received by PUA 20 in a form other than acousticdata such as electrical or electromagnetic data. Research system 200either stores such research data in storage 240 and subsequentlycommunicates it to PUA 20 by communications 210, or communicates theresearch data to PUA 20 by communications 210 without prior storage inresearch system 200.

In certain embodiments of research system 200, processor 230 adds a timeand/or date stamp to research data, media data, presentation data ormetadata of one of the foregoing received, produced, stored orcommunicated thereby.

In certain ones of such embodiments, research system 200 receives audiodata, presentation data and/or metadata of one of the foregoing from PUA20 via communications 210 and stores the received data in storage 240.Subsequently, system 200 reads the stored data from storage 240 andcommunicates it to PUA 20 which either processes it to produce researchdata therefrom or communicates it to a processing facility for producingresearch data. Communication of the research data from the PUA 20affords a number of advantages. At least a first advantage includesbeing able to provide a user a research system of smaller size and lowerweight since (1) it need not itself comprise hardware enablingcommunication of the research data to the processing facility, (2) asmaller power source, commonly a battery, thus decreasing the size andweight of the research system may be used for operation thereof, and (3)less data storage capacity is necessary in the research system given theopportunity for frequent communication of research data between the PUA20 and the research system 200. At least a second advantage includes anopportunity for increased frequency of reporting of the research data tothe research data processing facility since the PUA 20 is readilyavailable for the communication thereof.

In certain ones of the foregoing embodiments, PUA 20 gathers media dataresearch data from media data received thereby in non-acoustic formand/or metadata of such media data. PUA 20 either stores such media dataresearch data and later communicates it to a research organization viacommunications 40, or communicates it without first storing it. Incertain ones of such embodiments, PUA 20 receives audio data researchdata from system 200 produced thereby from audio data, and communicatesthe audio data research data to a research organization viacommunications 40. In certain ones of such embodiments, PUA 20 combinesthe audio data research data and the media data research data forcommunication to a research organization via communications 40.

FIG. 2A illustrates a research data monitor 72 affixed to an outersurface 21 of a PUA 20A, wherein the monitor 72 is operative in certainembodiments to gather research data and communicate it to PUA 20A whichin turn communicates the research data to the system 100 of FIG. 1B. PUA20A is illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 2B. In certainembodiments, monitor 72 implements one or more of the researchoperations described above in connection with FIG. 2. As shown in FIG.2B, PUA 20A comprises the same elements as PUA 20 of FIG. 1, except thatresearch data source 96 is omitted from the embodiment of FIG. 2B.

Research data monitor 72 is illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 2C.The research data monitor 72 comprises a processor 74 that is operativeto exercise overall control of the monitor 72 and to process data fortransmission or reception and communications 82 coupled to the processor74 and operative under the control of processor 74 to perform thosefunctions required for conducting communications with PUA 20A. Incertain embodiments, processor 74 comprises two or more processingdevices, such as a first processing device (such as a digital signalprocessor) that processes research data, such as audio data, and asecond processing device that exercises overall control over operationof the monitor 72. In certain embodiments, processor 74 employs a singleprocessing device. In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionsof processor 74 are implemented by software, while in other embodiments,the functions of processor 74 are implemented in hardwired circuitrywithout the use of software.

In certain embodiments, communications 82 establishes and maintains awireless communication link with communications 40 of PUA 20A, using aBluetooth™ protocol, a ZigBee™ protocol, an inductive link, a capacitivelink, an RF link, infrared link, or otherwise. In certain embodiments,communications 82 communicates with communications 40 using a wiredlink, such as a USB interface, a Firewire® interface, a connection to aplug or jack of the PUA 20A or an internal connection to PUA 20A.

Research data monitor 72 further comprises a research data source 76coupled with processor 74. In certain embodiments, research data monitor72 comprises a microphone that serves to transduce acoustic energy forprocessing by processor 74 to produce research data. In certainembodiments, research data source 76 comprises a keypad that enables theuser to input data, such as channel or station data, user identificationdata or another kind of research data. In certain embodiments, monitor72 comprises an RF receiver and/or infrared radiation detector. Incertain embodiments, monitor 72 comprises a location data producingdevice or function providing data indicating a location of the monitor72. Various devices appropriate for use as research data source 76include a satellite location signal receiver, a terrestrial locationsignal receiver, a wireless networking device that receives locationdata from a network, an inertial location monitoring device and alocation data producing service provided by a PUA service provider. Incertain embodiments, monitor 76 comprises a device or function formonitoring exposure to print media, for determining whether the user isat home or out of home, for monitoring exposure to products, exposure todisplays (such as outdoor advertising), presence within or nearcommercial establishments, or for gathering research data (such asconsumer attitude, preference or opinion data) through theadministration of a survey to the user of the PUA 20A. In certainembodiments, monitor 76 comprises one or more devices for receiving,sensing or detecting data useful in implementing one or more of theforegoing functions, other research data gathering functions and/or forproducing data ancillary to functions of gathering, storing and/orcommunicating research data, such as data indicating whether thepanelist has complied with predetermined rules governing the activity oran extent of such compliance. Such devices include, but are not limitedto, motion detectors, accelerometers, temperature detectors, proximitydetectors, satellite positioning signal receivers, RFID readers, RFreceivers, wireless networking transceivers, wireless device couplingtransceivers, pressure detectors, deformation detectors, electric fieldsensors, magnetic field sensors, optical sensors, electrodes, and thelike.

Monitor 72 further comprises storage 78 coupled with processor 74 andoperative to store data as needed. In certain embodiments, storage 78comprises a single storage device, while in others it comprises multiplestorage devices. In certain embodiments, a single device implementscertain functions of both processor 74 and storage 78.

FIG. 2D illustrates an embodiment of research data monitor 72 fabricatedon a substrate 83, such as a printed circuit board or a flexiblesubstrate comprising paper, plastic or the like, on which certainelements of monitor 72 are printed on substrate 83. Power source 86comprises a battery (either rechargeable or non-rechargeable) or acharge storage device such as a capacitor, printed on substrate 83. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 2D, communications 82 comprises an RFtransceiver, such as a Bluetooth™ transceiver, a ZigBee™ transceiver orother RF transceiver. An antenna 92 is printed on substrate 83 andcoupled with communications 82. It will be appreciated that monitor 72can be fabricated to have a very thin profile and very low weight, sothat it may be affixed to the enclosure of a cellular telephone, a PDAor other PUA that is carried on the person of a participant, withoutadding substantially to its size or weight. In certain embodiments, themonitor 72 is carried by a cover for the PUA (such as a decorative“skin”). In certain embodiments, monitor 72 is housed in or carried by adevice separate from the PUA and adapted to be carried with the personof a panelist who carries the PUA.

FIG. 2E is a block diagram of a PUA comprising a personal communicationdevice adapted to be carried on the person of a participant (such as aPDA, Blackberry® device, pager, notebook computer, walkie talkie, or thelike) having a processor 94, and communications 95, user data source 96and storage 97 coupled with processor 94. A research data gatheringdevice 72, adapted to be carried on the person of a participant, isoperative to gather research data and communicate the same wirelessly tocommunications 95 of the personal communication device for subsequentcommunication by the personal communication device to a research dataprocessing facility. In certain embodiments, the research data gatheringdevice 72 is separate from the personal communication device, so that itis carried by the participant separately therefrom. In certain ones ofsuch embodiments, the device 72 is contained in a PUA such as an articleof jewelry, an article of clothing, a fob, a wristwatch or other PUA. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the device 72 is contained in its ownenclosure and is carried on a lanyard to be worn about the participant'sneck or provided with a pin, clasp or belt clip for attachment to anarticle of the participant's clothing.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a personal digital assistant (PDA) 300modified to gather research data. The PDA comprises a processor 310 thatis operative to exercise overall control and to process data for, amongother purposes, transmission or reception by the PDA and communications320 coupled to the processor 310 and operative under the control ofprocessor 310 to perform those functions required for establishing andmaintaining two-way communications over a network (not shown forpurposes of simplicity and clarity).

In certain embodiments, processor 310 comprises two or more processingdevices, such as a first processing device that exercises overallcontrol over operation of the PDA 300 and a second processing devicethat performs certain more specific operations such as digital signalprocessing. In certain embodiments, processor 310 employs a singleprocessing device. In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionsof processor 310 are implemented by hardwired circuitry.

PDA 300 further comprises storage 330 coupled with processor 310 andoperative to store software that runs on processor 310, as well astemporary data as needed. In certain embodiments, storage 330 comprisesa single storage device, while in others it comprises multiple storagedevices. In certain embodiments, a single device implements certainfunctions of both processor 310 and storage 330.

PDA 300 also includes a user input 340 coupled with processor 310, suchas a keypad, to enter commands and data, as well as a display 350coupled with processor 310 to provide data visually to the user underthe control of processor 310.

In certain embodiments, the PDA 300 provides additional functions and/orcomprises additional elements. In certain embodiments, PDA 300 providescellular telephone functionality, and comprises a microphone 370, aswell as an ability of communications 320 to communicate wirelessly witha cell of a cellular telephone network, to enable its operation as acellular telephone. Where PDA 300 possesses cellular telephonefunctionality, in certain embodiments PDA 300 is employed to gather,store and/or communicate research data, such as by storing appropriateresearch software in storage 330 to run on processor 310 andcommunicating with system 100 to set up, promote, operate, maintainand/or terminate a research operation using PDA 300.

In certain embodiments, communications 320 of PDA 300 provides wirelesscommunications via Bluetooth protocol, ZigBee protocol, wireless LANprotocol, infrared data link, inductive link or the like, to a network,network host or other device, and/or through a cable to such a network,network host or other device. In such embodiments, PDA 300 is employedto gather, store and/or communicate research data, such as by storingappropriate research software in storage 330 to run on processor 310 andcommunicating with system 100 (either through a wireless link or througha connection, such as a cable) to set up, promote, operate, maintainand/or terminate a research operation using PDA 300.

In certain embodiments, the PDA is provided with a research data source360 coupled by a wired or wireless coupling with processor 310 for usein gathering further or alternative research data to be communicated toa research organization. In certain ones of these embodiments, theresearch data source 360 comprises a location data producing device orfunction providing data indicating a location of the PDA 300. Variousdevices appropriate for use as source 360 include a satellite locationsignal receiver, a terrestrial location signal receiver, a wirelessnetworking device that receives location data from a network, aninertial location monitoring device and a location data producingservice provided by a cellular telephone service provider. In certainones of these embodiments, research data source 360 comprises a deviceor function for monitoring exposure to print media, for determiningwhether the user is at home or out of home, for monitoring exposure toproducts, exposure to displays (such as outdoor advertising), presencewithin or near commercial establishments, or for gathering research data(such as consumer attitude, preference or opinion data) through theadministration of a survey to the user of the PDA 300. In certain onesof these embodiments, research data source 360 comprises one or moredevices for receiving, sensing or detecting data useful in implementingone or more of the foregoing functions, other research data gatheringfunctions and/or for producing data ancillary to functions of gathering,storing and/or communicating research data, such as data indicatingwhether the panelist has complied with predetermined rules governing theactivity or an extent of such compliance. Such devices include, but arenot limited to, motion detectors, accelerometers, temperature detectors,proximity detectors, satellite positioning signal receivers, RFIDreaders, RF receivers, wireless networking transceivers, wireless devicecoupling transceivers, pressure detectors, deformation detectors,electric field sensors, magnetic field sensors, optical sensors,electrodes, and the like.

In addition, PDA 300 comprises a microphone 370 coupled with processor310 to transduce the user's voice to an electrical signal which itsupplies to processor 310 for encoding, and a speaker and/or earphone380 coupled with processor 310 to transduce received audio fromprocessor 310 to an acoustic output to be heard by the user. PDA 300also includes a user input 340 coupled with processor 310, such as akeypad, to enter telephone numbers and other control data, as well as adisplay 350 coupled with processor 310 to provide data visually to theuser under the control of processor 310.

In addition, PDA 300 comprises a personal communication device adaptedto be carried on the person of a participant having a processor 310, andcommunications 320, and storage 330 coupled with processor 310. Aresearch data source 360, adapted to be carried on the person of aparticipant, is operative to gather research data and communicate thesame wirelessly to communications 320 of the personal communicationdevice for subsequent communication by the personal communication deviceto a research data processing facility. In certain embodiments, researchdata source 360 comprises a microphone for receiving ambient acousticenergy and producing a corresponding electrical signal that is processedeither by research data source 360 to read ancillary codes therein orextract signatures therefrom, or is instead processed for doing so byprocessor 310. In certain embodiments, the research data source 360 isseparate from the personal communication device, so that it is carriedby the participant separately therefrom. In certain ones of suchembodiments, the research data source 360 is contained in a PUA such asan article of jewelry, an article of clothing, a fob, a wristwatch orother PUA. In certain ones of such embodiments, the research data source360 is contained in its own enclosure and is carried on a lanyard to beworn about the participant's neck or provided with a pin, clasp or beltclip for attachment to an article of the participant's clothing.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an external storage device 400, such as aportable storage drive, modified to gather research data. A storage 430,such as a flash memory, serves to store data for use by the user as wellas research data. Access to storage 430 is controlled by a processor410. In certain embodiments, storage 430 is partitioned into a portionused to store user data and a further portion used to store researchdata (as well as research software, if necessary, to run on processor410). In certain embodiments, processor 410 dynamically partitionsstorage 430 into sections as needed so that each stores either user dataor research data (and/or research software). Storage device 400 alsocomprises communications 420 coupled with processor 410 to receive datato be written in storage 430 and to communicate data read from storage430. Communications 420 in certain embodiments communicates data bymeans of a connection, such as a USB interface, while in otherscommunicates its data wirelessly, for example, by means of a Bluetoothprotocol, wireless LAN protocol, infrared data link, inductive link orthe like.

Storage device 400 also comprises a research data source 440 thatprovides research data to be stored in storage 430 and communicated tosystem 100 via communications 420. In certain embodiments, research datasource 430 comprises an acoustic transducer, such as a microphone, andprocessing (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity) to produceaudio data in compressed or uncompressed form to be stored in storage430 under the control of processor 410. In certain embodiments,ancillary codes in the audio data are decoded by processing in researchdata source 440 and/or signatures are extracted from the audio datathereby to be stored in storage 430. In certain embodiments other oradditional types of research data are gathered by source 440, such asthose described hereinabove.

In certain embodiments, storage device 400 employs external power towrite and read user data via communications 420, as in the case of a USBinterface. In such embodiments, research data source 440 includes apower source (not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity), such asa rechargeable battery, to provide power for operating research datasource 440 and writing research data to the storage 430 while storagedevice 400 is not coupled to a source of external power.

In certain embodiments, communications between storage device 400 andsystem 100 of the kind described above in connection with PUA 20, areconducted without involving the user, so that a user input and displayare not required. In certain embodiments, such communications arecarried out by coupling storage device 400 with a networked host, suchas a personal computer, cellular telephone or PDA to communicate withsystem 100. Of these embodiments, in some cases a user input and displayof the networked host are used to carry out communications involvinguser interaction. In these cases, benefits for participating in aresearch operation to gather, store and/or communicate research datathat require the user to carry the storage device 400 on his or herperson, can be provided via the networked host or otherwise.

FIG. 5 illustrates a pen 500 in phantom lines. A research datacollection system 510 is contained within pen 500 and serves to gatherresearch data of audio data to which a user carrying the pen is exposed.FIG. 6 is a block diagram of research data collection system 510.

With reference both to FIGS. 5 and 6, the research data collectionsystem 510 includes a research data source 520 and a processor 530. Theresearch data source 520 is coupled with processor 530 to provideresearch data therefrom or data from which research data may beproduced. In certain embodiments, research data source 520 comprises amicrophone operative to transduce acoustic energy to which a user of thepen 500 is exposed while carrying the pen to produce audio data. In suchembodiments, processor 530 either stores the audio data or a compressedversion thereof as research data in a storage 540 of the system 510coupled with the processor 530, or extracts research data therefrom,such as data represented by an ancillary code of the audio data and/or asignature of the audio data which it stores in storage 540.

In certain embodiments, processor 530 comprises two or more processingdevices, such as a first processing device that exercises overallcontrol over operation of the system 510 and a second processing devicethat performs certain more specific operations such as digital signalprocessing. In certain embodiments, processor 530 employs a singleprocessing device. In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionsof processor 530 are implemented by hardwired circuitry. In certainembodiments, storage 540 comprises a single storage device, while inothers it comprises multiple storage devices. In certain embodiments, asingle device implements certain functions of both processor 530 andstorage 540.

System 510 of pen 500 also includes communications 550 coupled withprocessor 530 to communicate stored research data to system 100 of FIG.1B, as well as to receive communications therefrom and communicate othertypes of communications thereto of the kind described hereinabove forsetting up, promoting, operating, maintaining and/or terminating aresearch operation with the use of the pen 500. In certain embodiments,communications 550 serves to establish a wireless communications linkwith a host or device on a network to conduct such communications, whilein certain embodiments, system 510 serves as a host or device on anetwork for conducting such communications. In certain embodiments,communications 550 communicates with system 100 via a separate PUAhaving the ability to communicate with system 100. In certain ones ofsuch embodiments communications 550 establishes a wireless link with theseparate PUA according to a Bluetooth™ or ZigBee™ communicationsstandard.

System 510 of pen 500 further includes compliance detection 560 thatoperates to detect data useful in determining whether the user is incompliance with rules governing the research operation. In certainembodiments, compliance detection 560 comprises a motion detector, atemperature sensor and/or a proximity detector and is coupled withprocessor 530 to provide its data thereto. Processor 530 processes suchdata to determine whether the pen is being carried by the user atprescribed times. System 510 also includes a compliance indicator 570coupled with processor 530 which processor 530 controls to provide tothe user an indication whether the user is in compliance with rules forthe research operation concerning carriage of the pen. In certainembodiments, the indicator 570 comprises a light, such as an LED, thatprovides a visual indication of compliance or non-compliance under thecontrol of processor 530. In certain embodiments, the indicator 570comprises an audio transducer that produces sound under the control ofprocessor 530 to indicate such compliance or non-compliance. Additionaldisclosures of compliance determination and indication techniquessuitable for use in the various embodiments disclosed herein areprovided by U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,276 to Brooks, et al., assigned to theassignee of the present application and incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

In certain embodiments, system 510 is powered by a rechargeable battery(not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity). In such embodiments,recharging terminals 580 are provided for connecting system 510 to anexternal source of power for recharging such battery. In certain ones ofsuch embodiments, the pen 510 is placed in a cradle of a base station(not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity) where the terminals580 contact terminals of the base station where recharging power issupplied. Appropriate base stations for this purpose are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,483,276, referenced above.

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary table of a relational database storingdata associating individual PUA users with a group of persons receivingcommunication services pursuant to a single agreement with acommunication service provider. The relational database is stored instorage 130 of FIG. 2 under the control of processor 110. Processor 110stores data identifying each of a plurality of PUA users in the table ofFIG. 7A to associate such data with data 700 identifying a groupagreement governing the provision of communication services to a groupof persons. For example, the group agreement may comprise a family planwith a cellular telephone service provider. The exemplary table of FIG.7A associates data identifying four individual users (USER #3456. USER#3457, USER #3458, and USER #3459) with a particular group agreement700. In certain embodiments, the association of data indicates whichparticular user in the group is using a particular PUA. In certainembodiments, the data identifying the PUA user comprises a screen nameadopted by the PUA user.

FIG. 7B illustrates a further exemplary table of the relational databaseof FIG. 7A that stores data associating demographic data of the four PUAusers with data identifying with each respective user, that is, 3456,3457, 3458 and 3459. Processor 110 stores data in the table of FIG. 7Bto associate demographic data of the PUA user with the data identifyingthe PUA user. For example, user #3456 corresponds to demographic data710 which identifies the user as a female of age 40. Likewise, user#3457 corresponds to demographic data 720, user #3458 corresponds todemographic data 730, and user #3459 corresponds to demographic data740. The demographic data may comprise information relating to sex, age,occupation, salary, etc. In certain embodiments, the association of datamay indicate the demographic data of the particular user of theparticular PUA.

In certain embodiments, a message is communicated from system 100 ofFIG. 2 to each respective PUA user requesting the demographic data ofsuch user and a message containing the demographic data is received bysystem 100 from the respective PUA user in response. In certain ones ofsuch embodiments, such messages are communicated to and from the user'sPUA. In certain ones of these embodiments, a message is communicated tothe respective PUA user in response to a message from the PUA userindicating an interest in participating in the research operation.

In certain embodiments, incentives to participate are offered. Variousincentives, depending on the embodiment, include benefits related to useof the PUA, such as PUA-supplied services, award points or credits(e.g., free cellular telephone use, free play time for a game devicePUA). Certain incentives do not relate to use of the PUA, such as awardpoints or award dollars applicable for use or purchases at retailstores, Internet sites and other locations. Other incentives includefree software or unique content available only to panelists.

In certain embodiments employing incentives, benefits accrue during theperiod in which a PUA user remains a panel member. In other embodiments,benefits accrue during periods of time the PUA gathers research data,thus encouraging use and/or carrying around of the PUA. In furtherembodiments, benefits accrue when research data is received by themanaging processor 600.

Various illustrative PUA's are presented herein, such as cellulartelephones, PDA's, portable storage devices, pens, and notebookcomputers. As previously discussed, however, many different types ofdevices, electronic and non-electronic, may be employed as a PUA inaccordance with various embodiments described herein. For example, abelt buckle, ring, watch, shoe, etc., may be retrofitted with technologythat implements a designated secondary function to enable the gatheringof research data. Thus, the scope hereof is not limited to devices thathave technical features or technical capabilities as their primary oronly function.

In general, the embodiments described herein employ PUA's for thepurpose of carrying out research operations, which are also the kinds ofdevices or articles that individuals have already freely chosen to useor carry for other purposes beneficial to them. Hence, recruited panelmembers are not burdened with the task of carrying around a device thatthey would otherwise not carry around. Moreover, in many embodiments,implementation of the research operation by the user's PUA istransparent to the user.

Although various embodiments have been described with reference to aparticular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are notintended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeedmany other embodiments, modifications and variations will beascertainable to those of skill in the art.

1. A method of conducting a research operation, comprising: carrying aPUA on the person of a participant in the research operation; andcarrying a research system on the person of the participant, each of thePUA and the research system comprising communications for communicatingdata therebetween.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of thePUA and the research system process the data to produce research data.3. The method of claim 2, wherein at least one of the PUA and theresearch system communicates the research data to a processing facility.4. The method of claim 3, wherein the at least one of the PUA and theresearch system communicates the research data to the processingfacility over a wireless link.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein theresearch system is affixed to the PUA.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinthe research system comprises the PUA.
 7. The method of claim 1,comprising communicating data between the PUA and the research systemvia a wireless link.
 8. A research system for use in a researchoperation, comprising: at least one of a research data gathering system,a research data processing system and a research data storage system;and research system communications coupled with the at least one of theresearch data gathering system, the research data processing system andthe research data storage system, the research system communicationsbeing operative to communicate data with a PUA.
 9. The research systemof claim 8, wherein the PUA is operative to communicate data with atleast one of the research data gathering system, the research dataprocessing system and the research data storage system.
 10. A system forgathering and communicating research data, comprising the researchsystem of claim 8, and a PUA carried on the person of a participant in aresearch operation and comprising first communications operative tocommunicate data with a research data processing facility remote fromthe PUA and second communications operative to communicate data with theresearch system communications.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein thefirst and second communications comprise a single communication device.12. The system of claim 10, wherein each of the first and secondcommunications comprises a separate communication device.
 13. The systemof claim 10, wherein each of at least one of the researchcommunications, the first communications and the second communicationsis coupled to another thereof via a wireless link.
 14. The researchsystem of claim 10, wherein the PUA is operative to carry out cellulartelephone communications.
 15. The research system of claim 8, furthercomprising a housing for the research system having a size selected sothat the research system is capable of being carried on the person of aparticipant in a research operation.
 16. A method of obtaining researchdata, comprising: providing a research system to a participant in aresearch operation, the research system being capable of being carriedon the person of the participant and of communicating research data to aPUA carried on the person of the participant; and receiving the researchdata at a research data processing facility, the research data beingcommunicated thereto from the PUA.
 17. A process for communicating databetween a portable research data gathering system and a research dataprocessing facility, comprising: communicating data between a researchdata gathering system carried on the person of a participant in aresearch data gathering activity and a PUA carried on the person of theparticipant; and communicating the research data between the PUA and aresearch data processing facility.
 18. The process of claim 17, whereinthe data is communicated wirelessly between the research data gatheringsystem and the PUA.
 19. The process of claim 17, wherein the data iscommunicated wirelessly between the PUA and the research data processingfacility.
 20. A system for communicating data between a portableresearch data gathering system and a research data processing facility,comprising: a research data gathering system adapted to be carried onthe person of a participant in a research data gathering activity, theresearch data gathering system comprising communications operative tocommunicate data from the research data gathering system; and a PUAadapted to be carried on the person of the participant, the PUAcomprising communications operative to communicate data with theresearch data gathering system and with a research data processingfacility.
 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the communications of theresearch data gathering system is operative to communicate datawirelessly with the communications of the PUA.
 22. The system of claim20, wherein the communications of the PUA is operative to communicatedata wirelessly with the research data processing facility.
 23. Thesystem of claim 20, wherein the research data gathering system iscarried by the PUA.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the researchdata gathering system is affixed to the PUA.
 25. The system of claim 24,wherein the research data gathering system is affixed to an enclosure ofthe PUA.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the research data gatheringsystem is affixed to an external surface of the enclosure of the PUA.27. A system for gathering research data while being carried on theperson of a participant in a research data gathering activity,comprising: a PUA; and a research data gathering device carried by thePUA.
 28. The system of claim 27, wherein the research data gatheringdevice is affixed to the PUA.
 29. The system of claim 28, wherein theresearch data gathering device is affixed to an enclosure of the PUA.30. The system of claim 29, wherein the research data gathering deviceis affixed to an external surface of the enclosure of the PUA.
 31. Amethod of gathering research data, comprising: providing a person with aPUA carrying a research data gathering device; and receiving researchdata gathered by means of the research data gathering device.